Irresistible Brussels Sprouts Bacon Cranberries Recipe

Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries come together in a dish that promises to dance on your taste buds. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch, savory smokiness, and a burst of fruity sweetness that will make you wonder why you ever doubted Brussels sprouts in the first place.

Picture this: it’s Thanksgiving dinner, and your Aunt Mildred has brought her famous casserole. But wait! What’s this? A vibrant bowl of Brussels sprouts bacon cranberries steals the show. It’s the unexpected star that leaves everyone clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe. You know it’s love at first bite and soon you’ll want to recreate that moment at home for any occasion!

I once made this dish for a holiday gathering, and it was gone faster than I could say “pass the gravy.” Everyone loved it so much that I had to print out the recipe on three different pieces of paper just to keep up with requests!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: Choose fresh, firm sprouts with bright green leaves for maximum flavor and nutrition.

• Thick-Cut Bacon: Use good-quality bacon for that irresistible smoky crunch; it makes all the difference in taste.

• Dried Cranberries: Look for plump, sweetened cranberries; they add a delightful contrast to savory elements.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; feel free to substitute with melted butter if you want more flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning; they enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Bacon Cranberries

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and trim the ends. Cut them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.

Crisp Up the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove from skillet but leave the drippings for flavor.

Sauté the Sprouts: Add halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown on one side and are tender but still have some crunch.

Add Cranberries and Seasoning: Stir in dried cranberries along with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional few minutes until cranberries swell slightly.

Combine Everything Together: Return crispy bacon back into the pan with Brussels sprouts and cranberries. Toss everything together until well combined.

Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Transfer to a serving dish; enjoy immediately while warm or let cool slightly before serving at room temperature.

This simple yet flavorful recipe captures all elements of comfort food while presenting a modern twist that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until crispy, then add cooked bacon and cranberries for the final minutes. This sequence ensures each ingredient maintains its unique texture and flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap bacon for turkey bacon or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also try different herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness rather than using a microwave.

Creating this dish reminded me of my first Thanksgiving hosting, where my uncle declared my Brussels sprouts “the best he’d ever had.” I still chuckle thinking about his surprised face when he found out they were made with cranberries!

FAQ

How do I make Brussels Sprouts Bacon Cranberries vegan?

You can substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar flavor profile.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything except for roasting the Brussels sprouts until just before serving.

What pairs well with Brussels Sprouts Bacon Cranberries?

This dish complements roasted chicken, turkey, or even a hearty grain salad beautifully.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries is a delightful dish that combines crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet cranberries for a flavor explosion. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any dinner table, showcasing vibrant colors and textures that will impress your guests. The savory-sweet balance makes it easy to fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and cut them in half.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy; remove and set aside while keeping the drippings in the pan.
3. Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and tender but still crunchy.
4. Stir in cranberries, salt, and pepper; cook for a few minutes until cranberries swell slightly.
5. Return bacon to the pan, toss everything together, and serve warm or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg